An electronic device includes a display device including a display panel, a touch panel, and a touch sensing circuit configured to sense a touch input. The electronic device also includes an input pen configured to provide, to the touch sensing circuit, information on intensity of pressure applied to the display device. The touch panel includes touch pressure sensors and signal lines connected to the touch pressure sensors. Each touch pressure sensor has an area per unit length that increases along an extended direction of each touch pressure sensor. Each touch pressure sensor has a resistance that varies with an intensity of pressure and an area of pressure applied to the touch pressure sensors.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic device, comprising: a display device comprising a display panel, a touch panel, and a touch sensing circuit configured to sense a touch input; and an input pen configured to provide, to the touch sensing circuit, information on intensity of pressure applied to the display device, wherein the touch panel comprises: a plurality of touch pressure sensors spaced apart from each other, extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second direction, each touch pressure sensor having an area per unit length that increases along the first direction, having a resistance that varies with an intensity of pressure and an area of pressure applied to the touch pressure sensors, and having a triangular shape, and signal lines connected to the touch pressure sensors, wherein the touch sensing circuit senses a resistance change value of the touch pressure sensors, wherein at the same pressure of the input pen, the resistance change rate applied to one of the touch pressure sensors increases as an overlapping area between a contact surface of the input pen and the one of the touch pressure increases, and wherein the touch pressure sensors do not overlap each other in the first direction, and the touch pressure sensors overlap each other in the second direction.
Electronic device display and touch input sensing. This invention addresses the need for more nuanced touch input detection, specifically pressure intensity, on electronic device displays. The invention describes an electronic device featuring a display device and an input pen. The display device includes a display panel for visual output and a touch panel capable of sensing touch input. Crucially, the touch panel is equipped with a plurality of touch pressure sensors. These sensors are arranged in a grid, extending in a first direction and a second direction. Each sensor possesses a specific triangular shape and is designed such that its area per unit length increases along the first direction. The core functionality lies in the touch pressure sensors' ability to vary their electrical resistance based on the intensity and area of applied pressure. This resistance change allows for the detection of pressure levels. The touch sensing circuit processes these resistance changes. A key aspect is that at a given pen pressure, the rate of resistance change in a sensor increases with a larger overlapping area between the input pen's contact surface and the sensor. The sensors are configured to not overlap along the first direction but do overlap in the second direction. The input pen provides information about the applied pressure intensity to the touch sensing circuit.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch pressure sensors have the same shape as each other.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to electronic devices equipped with touch pressure sensors, specifically addressing the need for uniformity in sensor design to improve touch input accuracy and user experience. The device includes a plurality of touch pressure sensors arranged to detect pressure applied by a user's touch. A key feature is that all touch pressure sensors have identical shapes, ensuring consistent pressure detection across the device's surface. This uniformity helps eliminate variations in sensitivity that could arise from differently shaped sensors, thereby enhancing the reliability of touch-based interactions. The sensors are likely integrated into a touch-sensitive interface, such as a touchscreen or touchpad, where precise pressure detection is critical for functions like force-sensitive gestures or haptic feedback. By standardizing sensor shapes, the device ensures uniform pressure response, reducing calibration complexity and improving manufacturing efficiency. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision touch input, such as smartphones, tablets, or specialized input devices. The invention focuses on optimizing sensor uniformity to enhance both performance and user experience in touch-sensitive electronic devices.
3. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the signal lines comprise: a first signal line commonly connected to each first end of the touch pressure sensors and configured to receive a driving voltage, and second signal lines separately connected to each second end of the touch pressure sensors.
This invention relates to electronic devices incorporating touch pressure sensors for detecting pressure applied to a touch-sensitive surface. The problem addressed is the need for an efficient and accurate way to measure pressure at multiple points on a touch-sensitive surface while minimizing complexity and cost. The device includes an array of touch pressure sensors, each having a first end and a second end. A first signal line is commonly connected to the first ends of all the touch pressure sensors, supplying a driving voltage to each sensor simultaneously. Separate second signal lines are connected to the second ends of the individual touch pressure sensors, allowing independent measurement of the pressure at each sensor location. This configuration simplifies the wiring structure by reducing the number of signal lines required while maintaining the ability to detect pressure at multiple discrete points. The touch pressure sensors may be arranged in a grid or other pattern to cover a touch-sensitive surface, such as a display or input area. The driving voltage applied to the first signal line generates a response in each sensor proportional to the applied pressure, which is then read through the corresponding second signal line. This design enables precise pressure sensing without requiring dedicated signal lines for both ends of each sensor, reducing manufacturing costs and improving scalability. The system may be used in touchscreens, touchpads, or other input devices where pressure sensitivity is desired.
4. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein a width of the each of the touch pressure sensors linearly increases along the first direction of the each of the touch pressure sensors.
The invention relates to electronic devices with touch pressure sensors, particularly addressing the challenge of improving touch sensitivity and accuracy in devices where pressure detection is critical. The device includes a plurality of touch pressure sensors arranged in a grid pattern, where each sensor has a width that linearly increases along a first direction. This design enhances pressure detection by ensuring uniform sensitivity across the sensor's surface, reducing dead zones and improving responsiveness. The sensors are configured to detect pressure variations when a user interacts with the device, converting these variations into electrical signals for processing. The increasing width along the first direction optimizes signal strength and spatial resolution, allowing for precise localization of touch inputs. The device may further include a flexible substrate supporting the sensors, enabling integration into curved or bendable surfaces. The sensors are electrically connected to a processing unit that analyzes the detected pressure signals to determine touch location, intensity, and other interaction parameters. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision touch input, such as medical devices, industrial interfaces, or consumer electronics with advanced haptic feedback. The linear width increase ensures consistent performance regardless of the sensor's position within the grid, addressing prior art limitations in touch sensitivity and uniformity.
5. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein each of the touch pressure sensors comprises an n-th, where n is a natural number of 1 or more, sensor part and an (n+1)th sensor part having a width wider than a width of the n-th sensor part.
The invention relates to electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays incorporating touch pressure sensors. The problem addressed is improving the accuracy and sensitivity of touch pressure detection in such devices. Traditional touch pressure sensors often struggle with precise force measurement due to limitations in sensor design, particularly when detecting varying pressure levels across a touch surface. The electronic device includes a display with a touch-sensitive surface and multiple touch pressure sensors arranged beneath the display. Each sensor comprises multiple sensor parts with progressively wider widths. Specifically, each sensor includes an n-th sensor part and an (n+1)th sensor part, where the (n+1)th part has a greater width than the n-th part. This design allows for more precise detection of pressure variations by distributing the sensing area and improving signal resolution. The sensors are positioned to correspond with touch-sensitive regions of the display, enabling accurate force measurement when a user interacts with the screen. The wider (n+1)th sensor part enhances sensitivity to higher pressure levels, while the narrower n-th part improves detection of subtle pressure changes. This multi-part sensor structure ensures reliable touch pressure feedback, enhancing user experience in applications requiring precise force input, such as drawing, gaming, or virtual keyboards. The invention aims to overcome limitations in conventional pressure-sensitive touchscreens by providing a scalable, high-resolution sensing solution.
6. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein: each of the touch pressure sensors comprises a plurality of sensor parts with different lengths and connection lines connecting the plurality of sensor parts to each other, and the plurality of sensor parts are arranged in the first direction crossing the second direction and the plurality of sensor parts are aligned at one end by a reference line.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch pressure sensors, particularly for improving sensor layout and performance. The problem addressed is optimizing the arrangement of touch pressure sensors to enhance accuracy and reliability in detecting touch inputs while maintaining structural efficiency. The device includes a plurality of touch pressure sensors, each comprising multiple sensor parts of varying lengths. These sensor parts are interconnected by connection lines, forming a network that allows for precise pressure detection. The sensor parts are arranged in a first direction that crosses a second direction, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the touch-sensitive area. Additionally, the sensor parts are aligned at one end by a reference line, which standardizes their positioning and improves consistency in pressure measurements. The varying lengths of the sensor parts enable the sensors to adapt to different touch pressures and locations, enhancing sensitivity and reducing errors. The connection lines ensure that all sensor parts are electrically connected, allowing for seamless data transmission and processing. This arrangement improves the overall performance of the touch pressure sensors, making them more reliable for applications requiring precise touch input detection, such as smartphones, tablets, and other touch-sensitive devices.
7. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the input pen comprises: an input tip in contact with the display device, an input pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure applied to the display device by the input tip, a signal generating circuit configured to generate a wireless signal comprising information on the intensity of pressure applied to the display device based on a signal received from the input pressure sensor, and a transmitter configured to transmit the wireless signal.
An electronic device includes an input pen designed for use with a display device, addressing the need for precise and pressure-sensitive input in touchscreen applications. The input pen features an input tip that makes contact with the display device, allowing a user to interact with the screen. An input pressure sensor within the pen detects the pressure applied to the display device by the tip, providing real-time feedback on the force exerted. A signal generating circuit processes the sensor data to create a wireless signal that encodes the pressure intensity information. This signal is then transmitted via a built-in transmitter to the electronic device, enabling accurate pressure-based input detection. The system enhances user interaction by supporting variable pressure levels, which can be used for functions such as adjusting brush thickness in drawing applications or controlling zoom levels in navigation software. The wireless transmission ensures seamless operation without the need for physical connections, improving usability and responsiveness. This technology is particularly useful in devices requiring high-precision input, such as graphic tablets, stylus-enabled smartphones, and interactive whiteboards.
8. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein a maximum width of the each of the touch pressure sensors in the second direction is less than a maximum width defined on a contact surface of the input tip.
The invention relates to electronic devices with touch-sensitive input systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately detecting touch inputs from stylus or pen-like input tips. The device includes a touch-sensitive surface with an array of touch pressure sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction. The sensors are configured to detect pressure applied by an input tip, such as a stylus, to determine the position and force of the touch. To improve accuracy, the maximum width of each touch pressure sensor in the second direction is designed to be smaller than the maximum width of the contact surface of the input tip. This ensures that the sensors can precisely detect the position and pressure distribution of the tip, even when the tip is moved or tilted. The sensors may be arranged in a grid pattern, with spacing between them to allow for fine-grained detection. The device may also include additional components, such as a display or processing circuitry, to interpret the sensor data and provide feedback to the user. The invention aims to enhance the precision and responsiveness of touch input systems, particularly for stylus-based interactions.
9. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein a maximum separation distance between adjacent two of the touch pressure sensors in the second direction is less than a maximum width defined on a contact surface of the input tip.
The invention relates to electronic devices with touch-sensitive input systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately detecting touch inputs from a stylus or input tip. The device includes a touch-sensitive surface with multiple touch pressure sensors arranged in a grid pattern. The sensors are configured to detect both the position and pressure of a touch input. The arrangement includes a first set of sensors spaced at a first pitch in a first direction and a second set of sensors spaced at a second pitch in a second direction. The second pitch is smaller than the first pitch, ensuring higher resolution in the second direction. The maximum separation distance between adjacent sensors in the second direction is less than the maximum width of the contact surface of the input tip. This ensures that the sensors can accurately detect the position and pressure of the input tip, even when the tip is moved rapidly or at an angle. The system may also include a controller that processes signals from the sensors to determine the position and pressure of the touch input, providing precise and responsive feedback for the user. The invention improves the accuracy and reliability of touch input detection in electronic devices, particularly for stylus-based interactions.
10. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the touch sensing circuit comprises: a receiving unit configured to receive the wireless signal, a current sensing unit configured to sense the resistance change value of the touch pressure sensors, and a calculating unit configured to calculate a coordinate of the touch input based on the information on the resistance change value and the intensity of pressure of the touch pressure sensors.
This invention relates to electronic devices with touch-sensitive interfaces that use wireless signals to detect touch inputs. The problem addressed is improving touch input accuracy by incorporating pressure sensing and wireless signal processing to determine both the location and intensity of a touch. The electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display with touch pressure sensors that detect resistance changes when pressure is applied. A touch sensing circuit processes these signals to determine the touch coordinates and pressure intensity. The circuit includes a receiving unit that captures wireless signals from the touch pressure sensors, a current sensing unit that measures resistance changes in the sensors, and a calculating unit that computes the touch coordinates based on the resistance change values and pressure intensity. The system enhances touch input precision by correlating resistance changes with pressure levels, allowing for more accurate touch detection and improved user interaction. The touch pressure sensors are distributed across the touch-sensitive display, and their resistance changes are used to determine the exact location and force of the touch. The wireless signal transmission ensures minimal interference and reliable data acquisition. This approach enables advanced touch interactions, such as pressure-sensitive gestures, by accurately mapping resistance changes to touch coordinates and pressure levels. The invention improves upon traditional touchscreens by integrating pressure sensing with wireless signal processing for more refined touch input detection.
11. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch pressure sensors comprises: first touch pressure sensors having a first shape; and second touch pressure sensors having a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are different.
Electronic devices with touch-sensitive interfaces often require precise pressure sensing to distinguish between different user inputs. Traditional touch pressure sensors may lack the ability to accurately detect variations in pressure due to uniform sensor designs, leading to limited input differentiation. This invention addresses the problem by incorporating touch pressure sensors with distinct shapes to improve pressure detection accuracy and input resolution. The device includes a plurality of touch pressure sensors, where at least some sensors have a first shape and others have a second shape, with the first and second shapes being different. The variation in sensor shapes allows for enhanced sensitivity and differentiation of pressure inputs across the touch surface. For example, sensors with different geometries may respond differently to applied forces, enabling the device to distinguish between light taps, firm presses, or sustained pressure. This design can be applied to touchscreens, touchpads, or other interactive surfaces where pressure-based input is required. The use of multiple sensor shapes improves the device's ability to interpret complex user interactions, such as distinguishing between intentional gestures and accidental touches. The invention enhances user experience by providing more nuanced and responsive touch input capabilities.
12. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch pressure sensors comprises: first touch pressure sensors, each of which extends along the first direction and are arranged in the second direction crossing the first direction, and second touch pressure sensors, each of which extends along the second direction and are arranged in the first direction and are insulated from the first touch pressure sensors.
The invention relates to an electronic device with an improved touch pressure sensing system. The device addresses the challenge of accurately detecting touch pressure and location on a touch-sensitive surface, particularly in applications requiring high precision, such as touchscreens or touchpads. The system includes a grid of touch pressure sensors arranged in two perpendicular directions to form a matrix. The first set of touch pressure sensors extends along a first direction and is spaced apart in a second direction that crosses the first direction. The second set of touch pressure sensors extends along the second direction and is spaced apart in the first direction. The two sets of sensors are electrically insulated from each other to prevent interference. This configuration allows for precise detection of touch pressure and location by measuring changes in resistance or capacitance at the intersections of the sensors. The system can be integrated into various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices, to enhance touch input accuracy and responsiveness. The design ensures reliable performance while maintaining a compact and efficient sensor layout.
13. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the touch pressure sensors and the signal lines are disposed directly on the display panel.
The invention relates to electronic devices with integrated touch pressure sensing capabilities. The problem addressed is the need for compact and efficient touch pressure sensing systems that do not require additional layers or components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The electronic device includes a display panel with integrated touch pressure sensors and signal lines. The touch pressure sensors detect pressure applied to the display surface, enabling precise input detection. The signal lines transmit the sensor data to a processing unit for analysis. By disposing both the sensors and signal lines directly on the display panel, the device avoids the need for separate layers or substrates, simplifying the structure and improving reliability. This integration also reduces the overall thickness of the device, making it more suitable for slim-profile designs. The touch pressure sensors may be configured to detect varying levels of pressure, allowing for nuanced user interactions. The signal lines are designed to minimize interference and ensure accurate data transmission. The direct integration of these components on the display panel enhances durability and reduces the risk of signal degradation. This approach is particularly useful in smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices where space efficiency and performance are critical. The invention provides a streamlined solution for touch pressure sensing, improving both functionality and manufacturability.
14. A method of driving an electronic device, the method comprising: generating a touch input on a display device by an input pen; transmitting a wireless signal comprising information on a pressure intensity applied to the display device from the input pen; measuring resistance change values of touch pressure sensors having a resistance that varies with the pressure intensity and a pressure area applied to each of the touch pressure sensors, the touch pressure sensors are spaced apart from each other, extending in a first direction, arranged in a second direction, and having a triangular shape; and calculating a coordinate of the touch input based on resistance change values of the touch pressure sensors and the information on pressure intensity from the wireless signal, wherein at the same pressure of the input pen, a resistance change rate applied to one of the touch pressure sensors increases as an overlapping area between a contact surface of the input pen and the one of the touch pressure increases, and wherein the touch pressure sensors do not overlap each other in the first direction, and the touch pressure sensors overlap each other in the second direction.
This invention relates to a method for driving an electronic device with an input pen, focusing on accurately detecting touch coordinates based on pressure intensity and sensor resistance changes. The problem addressed is the need for precise touch input detection, particularly in systems where pressure sensitivity and spatial resolution are critical. The method involves generating a touch input on a display device using an input pen. The pen transmits a wireless signal containing information about the pressure intensity applied to the display. The system includes touch pressure sensors with a resistance that varies with both pressure intensity and the contact area of the input pen. These sensors are triangular in shape, spaced apart in a first direction, and arranged in a second direction. Importantly, the sensors do not overlap in the first direction but do overlap in the second direction. The method measures resistance changes across these sensors and calculates the touch input coordinate based on the resistance values and the pressure intensity data from the wireless signal. A key feature is that, at a constant pressure, the resistance change rate for a given sensor increases as the overlapping area between the pen's contact surface and the sensor increases. This design ensures accurate pressure and position detection by leveraging both resistance variation and spatial arrangement of the sensors. The system improves touch input accuracy by correlating pressure data from the pen with sensor resistance changes, enabling precise coordinate calculation.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the measuring of the resistance change values of the touch pressure sensors comprises: measuring current values flowing through the touch pressure sensors, and converting the current values into resistance change values.
A method for touch pressure sensing involves measuring resistance changes in touch pressure sensors to detect and quantify applied pressure. The method includes measuring current values flowing through the touch pressure sensors and converting these current values into resistance change values. This conversion allows for precise determination of pressure variations, enabling accurate touch input detection. The touch pressure sensors are integrated into a touch-sensitive surface, such as a display or input device, to provide enhanced user interaction capabilities. The resistance change values are used to determine the magnitude and location of applied pressure, improving the responsiveness and accuracy of touch-based systems. This approach ensures reliable pressure measurement by leveraging current-based sensing, which is less susceptible to noise and interference compared to direct resistance measurement. The method is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision touch input, such as touchscreens, touchpads, and industrial control interfaces. By converting current values to resistance changes, the system achieves consistent and repeatable pressure readings, enhancing overall performance.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the calculating of the coordinate of the touch input comprises: distinguishing a ghost touch input from a valid touch input by using information of an overlapping area between a contact surface of an input tip of the input pen and the touch pressure sensors, and calculating a coordinate of the valid touch input.
This invention relates to touch input systems, specifically addressing the challenge of distinguishing between valid touch inputs and ghost touches in touch-sensitive devices. Ghost touches occur when unintended signals are detected, often due to environmental interference or the physical characteristics of the input device. The invention provides a method to accurately identify and process valid touch inputs while rejecting ghost touches, improving the reliability of touch-based interfaces. The method involves analyzing the contact surface of an input tip, such as a stylus or pen, as it interacts with touch pressure sensors. By evaluating the overlapping area between the contact surface and the sensors, the system determines whether the detected input is a valid touch or a ghost touch. This distinction is made by assessing the spatial and pressure characteristics of the contact area. Once a valid touch is identified, the system calculates its precise coordinate, enabling accurate input detection. The technique enhances touchscreen performance by reducing false positives and ensuring that only intentional inputs are processed, which is particularly useful in high-precision applications like digital art, engineering design, and mobile device interactions. The method may be applied in various touch-sensitive devices, including smartphones, tablets, and specialized input systems.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein each of the touch pressure sensors extends along the first direction and the touch pressure sensors are arranged in the second direction crossing the first direction.
A system and method for touch pressure sensing involves an array of touch pressure sensors arranged in a grid pattern. The sensors are elongated and extend along a first direction, while the sensors are spaced apart and aligned along a second direction that crosses the first direction, forming a grid. This configuration allows for precise detection of touch pressure at multiple points across a surface. The sensors may be integrated into a touch-sensitive device, such as a touchscreen or touchpad, to provide enhanced input capabilities. The arrangement enables accurate localization of touch pressure, improving user interaction by distinguishing between different pressure levels and touch positions. The system may include additional components, such as signal processing circuitry, to interpret the sensor data and generate corresponding output signals for further processing. The method ensures reliable touch pressure detection by maintaining consistent sensor spacing and alignment, reducing interference between adjacent sensors. This technology is particularly useful in applications requiring high-resolution touch input, such as smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein a maximum width of each of the touch pressure sensors in the second direction is less than a maximum width defined on the contact surface.
A system and method for touch pressure sensing involves an array of touch pressure sensors arranged on a contact surface, where the sensors detect pressure applied by a user. The sensors are positioned such that their maximum width in a second direction (e.g., perpendicular to the primary sensing direction) is smaller than the maximum width defined on the contact surface. This design allows for higher resolution pressure mapping by reducing interference between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be arranged in a grid or other pattern to optimize coverage and accuracy. The system may also include signal processing to interpret pressure data and generate corresponding outputs, such as haptic feedback or input commands. The method ensures precise pressure detection by minimizing sensor overlap and improving spatial resolution, addressing challenges in touch-sensitive interfaces where accurate pressure distribution is critical for user interaction. The invention is applicable in devices like touchscreens, touchpads, and other pressure-sensitive surfaces where fine-grained pressure sensing is required.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein a maximum separation distance between two adjacent touch pressure sensors in the second direction is less than a maximum width defined on the contact surface.
This invention relates to touch-sensitive input devices, specifically improving the accuracy and resolution of touch pressure sensors in a touch-sensitive surface. The problem addressed is ensuring precise detection of touch inputs by optimizing the spacing of pressure sensors to match the physical constraints of the contact surface. The method involves arranging touch pressure sensors in a grid pattern on a contact surface, where the sensors are spaced in two perpendicular directions. The spacing in a first direction is determined by a first maximum separation distance, while the spacing in a second direction is constrained by a second maximum separation distance. The key innovation is that the second maximum separation distance is less than a predefined maximum width of the contact surface. This ensures that touch inputs are detected with sufficient resolution, preventing gaps in sensitivity that could lead to missed or inaccurate touch detections. The method may also include adjusting the spacing of sensors based on the surface's dimensions or the expected touch input patterns. By maintaining a tight sensor spacing in the second direction, the system ensures that even small or rapidly moving touch inputs are accurately captured. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high precision, such as touchscreens for industrial control panels or medical devices. The invention improves touch sensitivity without requiring excessive sensor density, balancing performance and cost.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
August 25, 2016
November 26, 2019
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.